Not Waving But Drowning

Not Waving But Drowning is an independently produced coming-of-age film from 2012, directed by Devyn Waitt, featuring Vanessa Ray, Megan Guinan, and Lynn Cohen among its cast. The title, borrowed from a verse by poet Stevie Smith, encapsulates the underlying tone of the narrative – the internal struggle usually silent, yet deeply affecting.

The movie is a gripping and intimate portrayal of two lifelong friends, Adele (played by Megan Guinan) and Sara (portrayed by Vanessa Ray), whose lives diverge dramatically when Adele moves to New York, leaving Sara behind in their small hometown. The film explores the transition to adulthood, the fear of uncertainty, and the power and pain of first love. It presents a poignant picture of the complexities of evolving friendship and the challenging transition into adulthood.

Against the backdrop of the bustling city of New York and the quiet small town, the diverging stories of these friends unfold. Adele moves to New York for a new start, and her relocation is symbolic of entering the world of adulthood, leaving behind the secure world of her childhood home. Her character is full of anticipation, excitement but also trepidation about her new life. In contrast, Sara is overwhelmed with longing and despair, which elevates as she is unable to cope with the sudden distance between herself and Adele.

Vanessa Ray, popularly known for her roles in Pretty Little Liars and Blue Bloods, delivers an impressive performance as Sara. Her portrayal of the character is imbued with deep emotions and complexity, making the audience empathize with her struggle. Megan Guinan, playing Adele, beautifully captures the essence of her character, oscillating between anticipation for the future and nostalgia for the past.

Lynn Cohen plays the character of Gert. Her character adds depth to the narrative, giving it a mature perspective against the youthful thinkings of Adele and Sara.

The film does an excellent job of delving deep into the psychology of its characters and consumes the audience with its emotionally gripping tale. It beautifully showcases the shift of their world and the evolving dynamics of their relationship. Every aspect of the narrative, from the characters to the settings, contributes to this transition.

The screenplay by director Devyn Waitt is intelligent and evokes an undercurrent of emotions. The direction is subtle yet powerful, with Waitt keenly focusing on character development, portraying their deep-seated insecurities, their dreams, and their dilemmas. This focus on character-building provides the audience with a sense of familiarity and connection with Adele and Sara.

The film’s narrative is further enhanced by the potent use of interesting visual metaphors and symbols. The recurring theme of water in the film symbolically evokes the idea of change, movement, and the uncontrollable conditions of life, reinforcing the title 'Not Waving But Drowning'. This symbol works as a metaphorical undercurrent, reflecting the characters' emotional state.

The cinematography is brilliantly executed, depicting the stark contrast between the fast-paced life of New York city and the quiet, laid-back nature of a small town. The visual narrative provides a wonderful contrast to the film's title, while also setting the tone for the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, Not Waving But Drowning is a beautifully framed narrative. It tells the emotion-filled story of two young women, grappling with the transitions of life, exploring themes of friendship, longing, and growing up. The film brilliantly blurs the line between adolescence and adulthood by taking the audience on a journey filled with the heartache and joy of self-discovery. A worthy watch for those who enjoy explorative narratives and coming-of-age films.